Replace your windows

If you expand or create new wall openings, you must provide plans in-person to get an Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit. The permitting process will include plan review.

If you are not changing the existing wall openings, it is considered an in-kind replacement. You will not need to provide plans to get your permit. You will also apply for your permit online.

Exterior windows need to follow energy efficiency guidelines and meet safety guidelines for accidents or fire.

Windows that will be moved or expanded also need to follow SF window design standards.

Energy efficiency requirements

All energy efficiency ratings can be found on the manufacturer's National Fenestration Rating Council or ENERGY STAR sticker on the window, usually in the corner. We will check your window’s ratings during inspection.

If your proposed windows meet the following requirements, you can apply online. If they do not meet these requirements, you will need to apply in-person to discuss other ways to make your building energy efficient.

Windows in R-3 buildings (single family homes, townhomes, duplexes) should have a U-factor of 0.27 or lower.

Windows in residences with more than 2 units should have a U-factor of 0.28 or lower.

Windows in non-residential buildings or hotels should have all of these requirements:

1. U-factor of 0.58 or lower
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.41 or lower
3. Visible Transmittance of:
   1. 0.46 or higher for any windows in a storefront
   2. 0.42 or higher for fixed windows
   3. 0.32 or higher for operable windows
   4. 0.46 or higher for curtain wall windows
   5. 0.17 or higher for any glass in doors

Where tempered glass or safety glazing is required

Safety glazing protects people from getting hurt in accidents or earthquakes.

Windows with safety glazing will have an etched mark in the corner, containing the manufacturer’s name and safety standard. Examples of safety glazing include tempered or laminated glass. The most common method is using tempered glass, which is treated to shatter into tiny cubes instead of large shards.

Large windows

Windows large and low enough for people to fall into should have safety glazing. This includes if a window has all of the following characteristics:

• More than 9 square feet in area
• Bottom of window less than 18 inches from the floor
• Top of window more than 3 feet from the floor
• Window is within 3 feet of where people walk

Hazardous locations

Locations where people can fall into the glass after losing their balance should have safety glazing:

• All glass in doors, including swinging, sliding, and bifold doors
• All glass used as barriers, including on stairs
• Windows within 2 feet of a door’s edge when closed
• Windows in or next to wet locations (bathtubs, showers, pools, steam rooms, etc)
• Windows within 5 feet of stairs or stair landings

If there is a sturdy railing installed in front of the window, it doesn’t need to have safety glazing.

Exterior windows close to other buildings should be resistant to fire

Windows within 3 feet of a property line must have a fire rating of 1 hour.

Rooms people can sleep in must have an egress window

For rooms that someone can sleep in, at least one window must open wide enough for evacuation. This Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening (EERO) must actually be large enough for a firefighter (with gear and potentially a ladder) to enter.

This requirement includes attics and basements.

Business storefront requirements

The first 4 feet of the storefront must be visible through the window.

If you are not changing the existing wall opening, apply for your window replacement permit online.

The application will ask you about your planned replacement work. If you are planning to have a contractor do the work, hire one before applying. We will ask for their information in the form.

We will send you the fee amount after we review your application. Our goal is to approve the majority of permits within 2 business days.

Apply online